St. Louis Man Arrested, Charged With Defrauding Area Homeowners In Repair Scams

May 22, 2008 -- Clayton, Mo. - The owner of a St. Louis repair business was arrested today and charged with defrauding area homeowners by not completing repairs or honoring warranties paid for by consumers. Kenneth J. Mers (DOB - 7/30/70), the owner of AMRP Construction, was indicted on three counts of unlawful merchandising practices by a St. Louis County grand jury last year at the request of Attorney General Jay Nixon.

Mers was originally arrested last September and held in the Jefferson County jail. On May 16, he was sentenced to five years probation on two counts of stealing by deceit and one count passing a bad check in Jefferson County. Upon his release on probation, Mers was rearrested to face the unlawful merchandising practices charges in St. Louis County.

The indictment alleges Mers, whose last address was in the 4200 block of Salem School Road, took payment for home renovation or repair services - including fixing leaks and cracks, installing siding, and providing waterproofing - but did not complete the work. Mers also allegedly sold multi-year warranties for his work, but did not honor the warranties. The indictment says the services and warranties were sold to consumers in January 2005.

Missouri law provides the Attorney General with concurrent jurisdiction to bring criminal charges in cases where unlawful merchandising practices are alleged.

Unlawful merchandising practices is a class D felony under Missouri law, with each count punishable upon conviction by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The charges against Mers are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: Missouri Attorney General